The course aims to provide students with an overview of major issues in Human Nutrition. In particular, we consider principles of nutritional epidemiology and their impact on population-level recommendations in nutrition, the occurrence of nutrients in human foods, the causes and consequences of obesity and associated diseases, nutritional toxicology and the impact of nutrition at different stages of human life (e.g. foetal, childhood, young adult and reproductive-age females). The emphasis of the course will be on developing skills to interpret evidence for claims about optimal nutrition for individuals and populations.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Describe how different types of evidence influence recommendations in Human Nutrition and Population Health.
2. Interpret evidence for nutritional claims concerning both individuals and populations by searching and critically reading the primary literature.
3. Understand current issues in Human Nutrition and be able to discuss these topics both orally and in writing, with particular emphasis on communicating science clearly.

Assessment will be based on:

• Final exam (50%; LO 1, 2)
• Seminar presentation and summary (25%; LO 1-3)
• Major practical report (25%; LO 1, 2)

2 lectures per week,  6 weekly practical sessions and 10 tutorials.

Requires completion of 96 units of courses including two BIOL Group B courses OR permission of the convenor.